Secretary Rubio clarified that, aside from the geopolitical conflict between the US and Iran that escalated in February, Washington has no objection to the participation of the Iranian football team or its legitimate athletic support staff.

“What we will not tolerate is the inclusion of individuals within the delegation who have no connection to sports but are known to be linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” Rubio stated. “We will be vetting this very strictly.”

Due to these security measures and travel arrangements, the Iranian national team will base its camp in Tijuana, Mexico. The squad will commute to their respective match venues in the United States via an estimated 55-minute flight.